Day 5, Cinque Terre and Lake Como Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

SOLD • “Villa with a View” ©2014 Niki Gulley • 10″ x 8″ Textured oil painting
Day 5, Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
 

On our fifth day in Cinque Terre, we visited the final town of Manarola. Opting to leave our paint gear and just be tourists for the morning, we joined the photographers in exploring the town and grabbing a light lunch.

“Crescendo,” Manarola ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph

That afternoon we opted to paint this picturesque Italian courtyard, keeping our composition simple for a quick, fun and colorful study. That evening we gathered for another delicious dinner!

 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
***
We’ll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you’re interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 
 

 

Visiting Vernazza, Italy with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

SOLD • Vernazza ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″ Textured oil painting
 
Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 4 – Vernazza
 

When we arrived in Vernazza, the photographers and tourists took off exploring the town and scenic overlooks above while the painters set up their easels near the harbor to capture the beautiful golden late afternoon light. Right after sunset, Scott took the photographers to shoot the dreamy blue light and glow of the city colors. I painted the small sunset below and the other painters went shopping. Later, we all met up for a delicious dinner of locally caught fish, pastas and regional wine. Full and happy, we rode the train back to Monterosso and crashed that evening after a fun-filled day.

Vernazza Sunset ©2018 Niki Gulley • 5″ x 7″ Textured oil painting
 
“Safe Harbor,” Vernazza ©2014 Scott Williams • photograph
 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
***
***
We’ll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you’re interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 

 

Monterosso Oil Painting by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

 

“Morning Overlook,” Monterosso ©2014 Niki Gulley 
SOLD • 9″ x 12″ oil painting
 
 
Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 3: Monterosso and Cornelia
 

After a busy day in Riomaggiore the day before, our painters stayed closer to home and painted this beautiful harbor in Monterosso. The photographers and tourists spent some time exploring our town and then took the train to Cornelia, where they shot and shopped in the village perched highest of all the Cinque Terre towns.

Later that afternoon, we reconvened and stopped by a local winery to sample their whites, reds, limoncino and regional delicious dessert wine, Sciacchetrá.
 
***
We’ll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you’re interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

 
***
 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com. 

Cinque Terre, Italy Plein Air Painting / Photo Workshop with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

“Peaceful Courtyard” ©2019 Niki Gulley
SOLD • 12″ x 9″ oil painting
 
Cinque Terre Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Day 1: Monterosso / the 5 Village Hike
 
We were greeted in Cinque Terre with gorgeous sunny weather, so the photographers and tourists headed out on our first morning on the 5 mile scenic hike high above, linking the five cities of the Cinque Terre, taking in breathtaking scenery along the way. With our paint gear, we opted to stay in Monterosso and capture this beautiful quiet courtyard, with its soft dappled light and lovely plantings.
 
 
That evening we connected with the hikers and enjoyed a delicious dinner of fresh caught seafood, local pesto and pasta, and tasty Italian wine. A great end to a perfect first day!
 
***
 
Good news – we’ll be returning to Cinque Terre next fall (2026) with an exciting new Art Trek! If you’re interested in joining us there or one one of our other workshops, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Globe-Trotting Immersive Excursions for Artists, Foodies and Travelers

Led by Scott Willams and Niki Gulley

Greece Art Trek
Full

Switzerland Art Trek 
Full

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2025 
September 20-27, 2025
Only 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/
 

2026

Tuscany Foodie Trek 2026 

September 26 – October 3, 2026
Only 6 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Cinque Terre & Lake Como, Italy
October 4-11, 2026
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2026/

Coming Soon:
Portugal & Spain Foodie Treks – March
Croatia & Slovenia Art Treks – May/June

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

 
Check out our review page on TripAdvisor and feel free to leave one of your own.

***
 
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 

 

Tuscany Foodie Trek Sadly Concludes with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

 

SOLD • 20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

 

Day 7, Pienza:  TUSCANY FOODIE TREK

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

Just sold! On the last day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we explored nearby Pienza to enjoy its picturesque alleyways and amazing views of the valleys below. Having been home to Pope Pius II, the town is filled with interesting historical sites, great shopping, delicious lunch spots and plenty of inspirational scenery to paint. From one of the overlooks, I chose this beautiful vineyard perched above the rolling hills for my subject. Diagonally planted grapevines lead your eye to the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by cypress and jaw-dropping views. May this one transport you to this magical place!
 
We capped the night off with an amazing Michelin dinner surrounded by new friends and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.
 

Making pasta memories!

 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us in Tuscany or on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full

Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
New Date – September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025/

If you  have any questions or would like to register, please contact Scott at [email protected] or 214-289-8512.

Visit ArtTreks.org for more details on all of our trips.

  

“Cypress Serenade” Art from the Tuscan Countryside by Niki Gulley

   

 
“Cypress Serenade” ©2025 Niki Gulley 
9″ x 12″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
I painted “Cypress Serenade” recently on location in Tuscany. I’ve always been attracted to this lone grouping of cypress trees and on this day the clouds in the sky were so fascinating. Hugging so close to the ground, soft and voluminous, acting as the perfect backdrop behind the cypress grove, I had to capture their drama before they disappeared. Wildflowers blooming in the foreground set the stage and I decided to have fun by repeating those colors throughout the scene, adding to the excitement and energy of the moment.

***

 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025

 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

 

 

***
 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary Italy and European paintings.

“Olive Grove” from Tuscany by Contemporary Impressionist Niki Gulley

  

“Olive Grove,” Tuscany ©2024 Niki Gulley 
10″ x 20″ textured oil painting
 
During our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we headed to the wine town of Montalcino to sample some of Italy’s world famous Brunello. On our way, we stopped at this beautiful convent with massive ancient olive trees growing on the grounds. In the distance, you can see the nearby hill town with vineyards and more olive groves lining the hillside. I wanted to capture the beauty of those regal olive trees on a beautiful sun-filled day in Tuscany.
****
 
 
Or, to purchase “Olive Grove,” click here: nikigulley.com/olive-grove/.
To see more of my palette knife contemporary landscape paintings, visit nikigulley.com.
 
 

https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/

 

 

 ***

 
 
If you’d like to join us on one of upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

Greece Art Trek
May 17-24, 2025
Full
Visit https://www.arttreks.org/greece-2025/ for details.

Switzerland Art Trek 
July 26 – August 2, 2025
Full
More info. at https://www.arttreks.org/switzerland-2025/.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Trek 
September 20-27, 2025
Just 2 spots left!
https://www.arttreks.org/tuscany-foodie-2025

 
For more information on upcoming Art Treks, visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.

Tuscany Foodie Trek Sadly Concludes with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

20″ x 10″ textured acrylic painting by Niki Gulley

 

Day 7, Pienza:  TUSCANY FOODIE TREK

Led by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

On the last day of our Tuscany Foodie Trek, we explored nearby Pienza to enjoy its picturesque alleyways and amazing views of the valleys below. Having been home to Pope Pius II, the town is filled with interesting historical sites, great shopping, delicious lunch spots and plenty of inspirational scenery to paint. From one of the overlooks, I chose this beautiful vineyard perched above the rolling hills for my subject. Diagonally planted grapevines lead your eye to the quintessential Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by cypress and jaw-dropping views. May this one transport you to this magical place!
 
We capped the night off with an amazing Michelin dinner surrounded by new friends and drifted off to sleep, full, happy and at peace.
 

Making pasta memories!

 
***
 

For more details on my other Tuscany paintings, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

 

Or, check out my website at nikigulley.com to see more of my contemporary landscape palette knife paintings.

 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***
 
 
If you’re interested in joining us on one of our upcoming Art Treks or Foodie Treks to France, Tuscany, or Venice, please let us know. Spaces fill up quickly!
 

 

For more information on upcoming Treks, please visit http://www.ArtTreks.org.
 

 

 

Palette Knife Artist Niki Gulley Paints the Tuscan Countryside

  

 

“Afternoon Arrival” ©2023 Niki Gulley 
20″  x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
Cypress trees, tile-roofed stone farmhouses and undulating hills filled with grapevines and olive trees, signal that you have landed in Tuscany! Filled with energetic, thick palette knife strokes and uplifting colors, “Afternoon Arrival,” welcomes you to your new home away from home. 

***

 
Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.
 

 

***
 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary Italy and European paintings.

New “Cypress Serenade II” Art from the Tuscan Countryside by Niki Gulley

  

 

“Cypress Serenade II” ©2023 Niki Gulley 
20″  x 10″ textured acrylic painting on canvas panel
 
My husband and I lead a Foodie Trek to Tuscany almost every year, and I’ve always been attracted to this lone grouping of cypress trees. I love trying to capture it in different ways, and mother nature had her hand in me choosing this location today. You see, there was a strong possibility of rain and this is one of the few locations I’ve found in the entire Tuscan countryside with a covered area that could keep me and my painting dry in the case of that liquid sunshine arriving mid-stroke. Fortunately because of the weather, the clouds in the sky were voluminous, beautiful and full of drama. Poppies blooming in the foreground just added to the excitement and energy of the moment. And, luckily I was able to capture the majority of the scene before the storms hit!

***

 
Next summer we will be leading a Foodie Trek to Spain and Tuscany, and an Art Trek to Iceland, so if you’ve always dreamed of painting, photographing and sightseeing in Europe, please join us for one of these amazing trips! Details are available on ArtTreks.org.
 

 

***
 
https://www.instagram.com/nikigulley/
 
 
***

Please check out my website at NikiGulley.com, NikiGulley.com to see more of my impressionistic palette knife paintings.

 

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary Italy and European paintings.